Types of Weather Stripping

You can install weatherstripping to seal air leaks around movable joints, such as windows or doors.

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To determine how much weatherstripping you will need, add the measurements of all windows and doors and then add 10% to accommodate any waste. Also consider that weatherstripping comes in varying depths and widths. You can use more than one type of weatherstripping to seal an irregularly shaped space.

Choosing a type of weatherstripping includes consideration with friction, weather, temperature changes, and wear and tear associated with its location. For example, when applied to a door bottom or threshold, weatherstripping could drag on carpet or erode as a result of foot traffic. Weatherstripping in a window must accommodate all the sliding of panes. The weatherstripping you choose should seal well when the door or window is closed while allowing it to open freely.  Also considerations of the current frame, wood / metal / vinyl would be a consideration.

Choose a product for each specific for each location. Felt and open-cell foams tend to be inexpensive, susceptible to weather, visible, and inefficient at blocking airflow. However, the ease of applying these materials may make them valuable in low-traffic areas. Vinyl, which is slightly more expensive and takes more time to install, holds up well and resists moisture. Metals (bronze, copper, stainless steel, and aluminum) last for years and are affordable. Metal weatherstripping can also provide a nice touch to older homes where vinyl might seem out of place.

Metal

- Seals by spring tension. Nearly invisible with proper installation. A good value. -very effective -lasts 10-20 years -moderately easy to install; measure, cut and nail -used on most wood window channels -used on door frame top and sides -installation requires tin snips, hammer, nails, tape measure

Foam-filled Vinyl Tube

- Unsightly in some places. Reinforced flange is very durable. Do not paint the tube gasket. -very effective -lasts 5-10 years -easy to install; measure, cut and nail -used on window frames -used on door frame top and sides -installation requires knife or shears, hammer and nails or staple gun, tape measure

Hollow Vinyl Tube

- Unsightly in some places. Reinforced flange is very durable. Do not paint the tube gasket. -effective -lasts 2-7 years -easy to install; measure, cut and nail or staple -used on window frames -used on door frame top and sides -installation requires knife or shears, hammer and nails or staple gun, tape measure

Foam Rubber Tape

- Many widths and thicknesses available. Will not stick to dirty surface. Clean and dry surfaces before installing. -effective -lasts 1-5 years -easy installation; measure, cut, peel and stick -used on window top and bottom -used on door frame top and sides but not where surfaces slide against each other -installation requires knife or shear, tape measure

Rigid Metal Strip Tube Gasket

- metal strips with slots rather than holes for fasteners can later be adjusted. Do not paint tube gasket. -very effective -lasts 5-10 years -moderately easy to install; measure, cut, screw or nail in place -used on window frames -used on door frame top and sides -installation requires hack saw, hammer and nails or screwdriver and screws, tape measure

Wood Strip Foam Gasket

- Wood strip can be finished to match door frame. Not good for warped doors. Do not paint the foam. -effective -lasts 1-3 years -moderately easy to install; measure, cut and nail in place -used on door frame top and sides -installation requires hand saw, hammer, nails, tape measure

Felt Strips

- Only good for narrow and even gaps. Comes apart where rubbing occurs. Do not paint. Not effective when wet. -least effective -lasts 1-2 years -easy to install; measure, cut, nail or staple -used on wood window top and bottom -used on door frame top and sides -installation requires knife or shears, hammer and nails or staple gun, tape measure

Vinyl/Plastic/Mylar 'V'

- This works like the spring metal. It's installed flat and then bent to a 'V' shape, the open end of the 'V' to the outside of the doors which open inward. -very effective -lasts 2-20 years -easy to install; measure, cut, peel and stick -used on window channels, sides, top and bottom -used on door frame top and sides -installation requires knife or shears, tape measure